Benson Henderson vs. Josh Thomson to Headline UFC on Fox 10 in January

Benson Henderson begins his journey back to the top of the lightweight mountain. 

Speaking at the UFC 167 post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White revealed that Henderson will face Josh Thomson Jan. 25 in the main event at UFC on Fox 10. 

Thomson was recently slated to challenge 155-pound champion Anthony Pettis Dec. 14 at UFC on Fox 9, but a knee injury forced Pettis out of the bout, leaving Thomson temporarily stranded in the division.  

The UFC brass went to work to rectify this situation, and they found a willing taker in short order. 

Henderson previously ruled the lightweight division from Feb. 2012 until Aug. 2013, when Pettis slapped on an armbar in Round 1 that left "Smooth" with no choice but to tap out and relinquish his belt. 

Now facing Thomson, Henderson takes his first step on the road to redemption, a trek which could lead to a trilogy fight with "Showtime." 

While White did not confirm that this UFC on Fox 10 showdown will represent a No. 1-contender fight, it certainly looks the part right now. 

Both Thomson and Henderson are top-ranked lightweights, and another win on either side will solidify a strong case for a title shot. 

While this card is still under construction, the UFC also announced that Darren Elkins will square off with Jeremy "Lil' Heathen" Stephens in a featherweight fight. 

Alongside Henderson vs. Thomson, this bout sheet is filling up nicely, and fight fans have plenty to look forward to as we head into 2014. 

Stay tuned for more UFC on Fox 10 updates as they are released.